Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), IOA forms a two-member ad hoc committee
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formed a two-member ad-hoc committee to oversee the office of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
About the Ad-Hoc Committee
- The committee will be headed by Bhupender Singh Bajwa, an IOA executive council member, and Suma Shirur, an accomplished sportsperson from IOA.
- To further ensure transparency, a retired High Court Judge will also be appointed to the ad-hoc committee.
- The committee has been appointed to manage the Wrestling Federation of India’s affairs, including the selection of athletes for international events.
- The decision was made during an emergency meeting of the IOA Executive Council chaired by President P T Usha.
- The Ministry of Youth Affairs deemed the election for WFI President, originally scheduled for May 7, as invalid, which led to the formation of the ad-hoc committee.
- The aim is to ensure impartial and transparent voting during WFI’s election.
- At the same time, Indian wrestlers are protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former WFI president, and a plea from one wrestler to prosecute Singh for alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers is set to be heard by the Supreme Court of India
Reasons Behind the Formation of the Committee
- The Indian Olympic Association formed a committee led by veteran boxer Mary Kom in January 2023 to address a complaint.
- Despite multiple hearings held by the committee, the wrestlers chose to protest publicly instead of utilizing this resource.
- During a meeting, the IOA Executive Council discussed the Supreme Court’s order on Appeal of SLP (C) No. 14533/2022 and reviewed necessary changes that should be made to the IOA Constitution, which was drafted by Mr. Justice Nageswara Rao.
- IOA President expressed approval of Goa’s progress in hosting 43 sports for the National Games, and the council expressed concern about governing lapses in Handball and Taekwondo associations and pledged to take decisive action to prevent malpractice and promote the advancement of sports and sportspersons.
About Indian Olympic Association
- The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is a non-profit organization that is responsible for choosing athletes to compete on behalf of India at the Olympic Games, the Asian Games, and other global sporting events.
- It was founded in 1927 with Sir Dorabji Tata as its Founding President and recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1929.
- Headquarters – New Delhi
- President – Pilavullakandi Thekkeraparambil Usha
- The IOA’s mission is to develop and promote sports in India, safeguard the interests of Indian athletes, and uphold the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship.
- The IOA works closely with national sports federations to train and support athletes, and to organize national and international sports events.
About Wrestling Federation of India
- The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is the governing body for wrestling in India.
- It was formed in 1952 and is responsible for organizing national and international wrestling competitions, selecting and training athletes for international events, and promoting the sport of wrestling in the country.
- The WFI is affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the United World Wrestling (UWW), and the Asian Wrestling Federation (AWF).
- The WFI also collaborates with state wrestling associations to develop wrestling talent and infrastructure across the country.
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